Which is the most tubelike solid state amp around

I would second Pass Labs. There is a full range of power and price points. The XA.5 sounds very sweet, doubles output into 4ohms and, I've read, reminds many listers of tubes with the control of SS.

MCINTOSH MC402 is one of the most tube like ss amps you'll ever hear. By the way it's also one of the best sounding power amps period regardless of price.

If you really want a SS amp that won't break the bank and sounds like tubes, try B&K Components. I had an ST-140 for many years and later upgraded to the B&K EX442 Sonata. When I sold the EX442, I quickly hooked up a pr of Paoli M60 monoblocks and was truly amazed at how much the EX442 sounded like the 8417 Paolis'. I've owned many tube amps over the years and B&K is probably the best value out there that sounds like tubes...but if you love tubes, than why not stick with a powerful tube amp like a KT88 or 6550 based amp.

"Tube-like" means different things to different people. To some, it means exceptional clarity and openness free of grain. To others, it means warm and fuzzy with a softened top end and an overall rounded sound.

Ecka, which definition do you use for "tube-like". Or if neither of mine fit your idea of "tube-like", how do you describe it?

based upon one of tvad's connotation of "tube like", i'd say it cannot be found in the performance of any solid state amp. i received a confirmation that a solid state amp would not sound like a tube amp, from victor khomenko, of balanced audio technology, back in the 90's, when i heard a comparison between the first bat ss amp and a tube amp at ces, 1992 or 1994.